Senator Harkin, who has been a longtime disability rights leader, was the Senate sponsor of the ADA. He will open the roundtable with his reflections on its passage, which was accomplished with bipartisan support. Attendees will learn about the impact of the ADA, the important changes that have occurred since its passage, and the equal opportunity, independent living, full participation, and economic self-sufficiency challenges yet to be addressed.

“In 24 years, the ADA has accomplished so much to grant the promise of equality to Americans with disabilities,” says Harkin. “This panel will reflect on those accomplishments, while also discussing the work still ahead to close the gap in workforce participation for young adults with disabilities and to emphasize the social and economic contributions of people with disabilities throughout the world.”

The panelists are:

Terry Branstad, governor of Iowa and former president of Des Moines University

Wade Henderson, president of the Leadership Council for Civil Rights and professor of public interest law at the David A. Clarke School of Law at the University of the District of Columbia

Steve Bartlett, president and CEO of the Financial Services Roundtable in Washington, D.C.; former mayor of Dallas; and former member of the U.S. House of Representatives, where he was a Republican co-sponsor of the ADA

Kelly Buckland, executive director of the National Council for Independent Living

Michele Meadors, Ms. Wheelchair Iowa

"The Harkin Institute is honored to host such a knowledgeable and distinguished panel to discuss this landmark legislation, all the more remarkable for its bipartisan support,” says Marsha Ternus, director of the Harkin Institute. “These diverse panelists will share their unique perspectives of the ADA, including the path to its historic passage, its transformative impact over the last 24 years, and the issues that still require attention."

Sheslow Auditorium is accessible for those who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices. Interpreters will be provided.

The Harkin Institute is seeking approval for the event to serve as continuing education credit for social workers and lawyers. Visit the Harkin Institute website for more information, or contact Estelle Montgomery at estelle.montgomery@drake.edu or 515-271-3591.